Have you ever felt the itch to break free from the traditional 40-hour work-week grind (maybe yours is more like 50-60hrs!) and create something uniquely yours?
Women worldwide are harnessing the power of the digital economy to build businesses that offer flexibility, fulfillment, and financial independence.
I'm one of those women.
Why?
Because I want choice.
Without choice, we're stuck.
Probably living someone else's idea of life.
Dancing to someone else's tune.
Living according to "shoulds" and other's expectations. Society's expectations.
So the question is…..do you want REAL CHOICE?
Do you want the FREEDOM to decide where you live, when you work (even what your work looks like), when you go on holidays, have the resources to help your family?
Do you want to build an online business to create something that has meaning and provides value to others?
Do you want to feel like what you do really matters and that you’re fulfilling your purpose, that you’re digging deep and harnessing the talents you have to create, to build, to serve?
If your answer to any of these (or all) is “ABSOLUTELY YES!”......you're not alone.
This is an exciting revolution, one where there is no glass ceiling. So let's go ahead and explore how YOU can thrive in the digital landscape.
The Rise of Women in Online Business
A few facts:
- Women's startup activity rates increased from an average of 6.1% in 2001-2005 to 10.4% in 2021-2023 across 30 participating countries (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)).
- Women's startup rates have more than doubled over the past two decades in countries like France, the Netherlands, and Hungary. (gemconsortium.org)
- A major factor contributing to women not starting a business is a lack of confidence — only 39% of women trust their abilities to start a business compared to 55% of men. (gravitypayments.com)
The Importance of Digital Marketing Skills
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is absolutely crucial for business success.
Developing your digital marketing skills helps you be more effective to:
(i) reach and engage with your target audience
(ii) develop brand awareness; and
(iii) drive sales
And you can grow the visibility and profitability of your business by understanding social media marketing, search engine optimisation (SEO), email marketing, and content creation.
Real-Life Success Stories
Have a look at these inspiring women below who jumped into entrepreneurship in the online space:
Ella Mills (Deliciously Ella)
Ella turned her health challenges into a thriving online business by sharing vegan recipes. Her blog led to best-selling cookbooks, a deli, and a range of food products.
Yong-Soo Chung (Urban EDC)
Yong-Soo left her tech job to launch an e-commerce business that turned over $1.3 million in sales in 2024! Her story shows the huge financial potential for an online business.
Candice Alviz
Candice transitioned from a legal career to pursue her passion for sewing. She's now built a significant online following with over half a million across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Living proof of how powerful digital platforms can be in building a brand.
Types of Online Businesses You Could Consider
The digital world offers a range of opportunities for ambitious or aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Here are just some online business ideas you could consider:
E-commerce Store
If selling physical products is your thing, you could sell products through platforms like Shopify or Etsy - anything from handmade crafts to curated fashion items, travel accessories, picnic rugs, and the list goes on!
Freelance Services
If you have skills such as copywriting, graphic design, or programming, you could offer your services on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Online Coaching or Consulting
If you have experience in areas like business, health, or personal development why not share your expertise through one-on-one sessions or group workshops.
Blogging or Vlogging
You could create your own blog or vlog by creating content around your passions, then monetise through promoting affiliate products, ads, sponsorships, or creating your own branded products.
Online Courses
Develop and sell courses on platforms like Teachable, sharing your knowledge in a particular area of expertise.
Social Media Management
Help businesses build their online presence by managing their social media accounts.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote other companies' products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
Introducing the "Find Your Digital Ikigai" Worksheet
A great way to start an online business is by identifying your passions and skills, and then seeing where there is a gap in the market—a concept the Japanese call "Ikigai," meaning "reason for being". Then, see where they intersect.
To help you discover YOUR unique path, I've created a quick easy tool called the "Find Your Digital Ikigai" worksheet, that you can download here.
This simple, one-page tool guides you through identifying:
What You Love: Your passions and interests.
What You're Good At: Your skills and strengths.
What the World Needs: Gaps in the market or problems you can solve.
What You Can Be Paid For: Viable online business opportunities.
Simple Strategies to Get Started
It can be both daunting and exciting to start out on your online business journey. So here are 8 steps to guide you:
- Identify Your Niche: Use the "Find Your Digital Ikigai" worksheet (download it here) to identify where your passions and market needs intersect.
- Learn Digital Marketing Skills: Invest time in learning about SEO, social media marketing, and content creation so you can promote your business properly.
- Validate Your Idea: Conduct simple market research to ensure there's demand for your product or service.
- Build Your Brand: Develop a brand identity that resonates with your target audience, that's aligned with what you're building.
- Establish an Online Presence: Create a professional website and use social media platforms to reach potential customers.
- Engage with Your Audience: Consistently communicate with your audience through content, promotions, and personalised communication.
- Utilise E-Commerce Platforms: Have a look at platforms like Shopify or Etsy that can really simplify the selling process.
- Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with digital marketing trends, SEO strategies, and other relevant skills.
Overcoming Common Challenges
The digital world offers loads of opportunities, so it's important to be aware of some potential challenges.
Access to Capital: If you need funding, it can be more challenging for women entrepreneurs. Creating a strong business plan and looking at other funding sources can help mitigate this issue.
Tech Overwhelm: All the different tools and platforms can be intimidating. So, just start simple and gradually bring in new tech as you grow.
Balancing Work and Life: Running an online business requires discipline and consistency. To avoid burn-out, set clear boundaries and create a schedule to help maintain work-life balance. Remember why you're building your business in the first place and don't let it completely take over your life.
Self-Doubt: Imposter syndrome is very real and very common, but surrounding yourself with like-minded people and a supportive community can not only help keep you on track but also boost your confidence.
Aligning with Your Values: It’s easy to get caught up in the latest trend or build something just based on how profitable it is (or could be). But for long-term fulfillment, you need to make sure your business aligns with your personal values and passions. Otherwise, you might end up running a business you don't like, even if it is successful.
A Final Thought
As Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, once said, "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."
The online business revolution is here, and the playing field has never been more level.
If you're ready to take the next step, grab your free "Find Your Digital Ikigai" worksheet and then check out the free training that walks you through how you can start building an online income using a proven roadmap. It's a roadmap that's been battle-tested over years and has helped thousands of women step into financial freedom, and it can help you too!
The future is digital, and it's YOURS for the taking. Are you in?